Taking the Laws Lightly

The article entitled "CHP Sees Red at Car Buffs' Flashy Lights" (by David Wharton, April 27) left me wondering if The Times is endorsing the concept that individuals should only observe the laws that they like and disregard laws that they don't like.

The article featured a picture of Tony Escobar, his wife and 3-year-old child smiling at the camera as they demonstrate an illegal flashing third rear brake light. According to the article, Escobar had been stopped twice by police for having the light mounted in the rear window of his vehicle but had talked himself out of tickets both times. The article makes it clear that Escobar has no intention of removing the brake light even though this type of light is not legal and that he will continue to ignore other laws as well. Escobar is quoted as saying: "I keep my truck low and that also is against the law."

While The Times' article may not have verbally endorsed ignoring traffic laws, the picture of the three smiling faces happily demonstrating their illegal brake light makes comment enough.